The purpose of this initiative is to encourage students, not only to learn more about the issues and challenges facing Africa today, but also to consider their own involvement in the solutions. As individuals, we can no longer personally ignore the critical issues of contemporary Africa. Some people cynically believe that Africa's problems are beyond help or prefer to leave the solutions to large organizations and governments to work out. However, we ignore these concerns at the risk of diminishing our own humanity.

Today, sub-Saharan Africa staggers from the AIDS pandemic and the ravages of malaria and tuberculosis. Undernourishment and a lack of safe drinking water condemn millions to disease and slow starvation. The grip of poverty holds millions of Africans behind as the rest of the world advances. Is the situation hopeless or can some progress be made?
 

This web site introduces students to some of the critical problems facing African’s poorest countries and invites them to research these issues:

• HEALTH
• REFUGEES and SLAVERY
• GOVERNANCE and SECURITY
• POVERTY
• WOMEN in AFRICA
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The site also provides introductions to aspects of African culture:

• ART
• MUSIC
• LITERATURE

In addition, the site provides links for additional research and involvement:

• REFERENCE MATERIAL
• WORK AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
• RELATED RESOURCES

The site is intended to be a beginning to exploration. Students are encouraged to pursue to this as a springboard for more in-depth research.